Super Rugby Team of the Season 2011
Saturdays Super Rugby final brought the curtain down after five months and 125 games of fantastic action. Many players stood out and here are is my best 15 players from the 2011 season.
15 Kurtley Beale (Waratahs) “One of the stars of the Southern Hemisphere was the star full-back of the tournament and was the one bright spark in an otherwise dull Waratahs side. He will be one of the key men for Australia in the Tri-Nations and then the World Cup.
14 Sean Maitland (Crusaders) “ The versatile youngster was a key part of the Crusaders success in 2011 produced some brilliant displays most memorably against the Sharks at Twickenham. Maitland also equalled the record for most tries in a game with four with the Brumbies.
13 Jacques Fourie (Stormers) “ For me this was a dead heat between Fourie and Robbie Fruean but the powerful South African gets the nod. Whereas Fruean's performances seemed to drop without the presence of Sonny Bill-Williams, Fourie produced consistently for the Stormers and will be a key player for South Africa in the coming months.
12 Sonny Bill Williams (Crusaders) “ Well this was an easy decision Sonny Bill was easily the best 12 in the tournament and produced some scintillating displays, his clever offloading and strong running made him a handful for every defence.
11 Digby Ioane (Reds) “ The electric winger was one the stars of the show for the championship winning Reds, his running lines and string defence earned him plaudits from all corners. He capped off his fine season with a wonderful try in the final against the Crusaders.
10 Quade Cooper (Reds) “ What more can be said about one of the most talented players in the world? He was simply superb in almost every game for the Reds, he inspired the Queenslanders to new levels of attacking brilliance and firmly established himself as one of the best number 10's in the world.
9 Will Genia (Reds) “ The scrum-half was voted Australian Super Rugby Player of the Season after he guided his side to the top of the table. He was a class act and showed a level of maturity that proved his game has developed and his try in the final was possibly the best of the season.
8 Kieran Read (Crusaders) “ Possibly the best number eight in the world at the moment, Read was huge for the homeless Crusaders this season. His work-rate is immense and his leadership skills were vital in the absence of Richie McCaw.
7 Beau Robinson (Reds) “ Despite being a free agent at the start of the season, Robinson became a key part of the Reds success. His ability at the breakdown was matched by his work-rate, and his partnership with Higginbotham was crucial.
6 Scott Higginbotham (Reds) “ A warrior for the Reds, his tackling and work-rate were outstanding, and in the final he was again one of the stars for the men from Queensland.
5 Nathan Sharpe (Force) “ Still one of the best second-rows in the world and he stood out from some other top contenders including Victor Matfield and Andries Bekker.
4 Brad Thorn (Crusaders) “ A real work horse in the trenches for the Crusaders at the ripe old age of 36, his set piece play is impeccable and he will be a tough man to replace when he retires.
3 Owen Franks (Crusaders) “ The All-Black tighthead had a great season, his scrimmaging was strong and bone rattling defence made him the standout prop in the tournament.
2 Bismarck Du Plessis (Sharks) “ A world class hooker and he proved it once again this season, and Peter de Villiers will be hoping he can continue his fine form for the Springboks.
1 Jamie McIntosh (Highlanders) “ The Highlanders captain led by example as the Highlanders had a fantastic start to the season, despite an end of season slump McIntosh was still an outstanding performer.
